Water level in Tibet barrier lake drops after overflow

From: Xinhua

Aerial photo taken on Oct. 20, 2018 shows the Yarlung Tsangpo River after an overflow from a landslide-caused barrier lake on the river in Menling County, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. Water levels are dropping after an overflow at a barrier lake formed after a landslide in the Yarlung Tsangpo River in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, local officials said Friday.[Photo/Xinhua]

Water levels are dropping after an overflow at a barrier lake formed after a landslide in the Yarlung Tsangpo River in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, local officials said Friday.

The barrier lake was formed near a village in Menling County after landslides on Wednesday and Thursday blocked the river's waterway. Rising water has forced the evacuation of over 7,100 people in the area as of 5:00 p.m. Thursday, Xiao He, vice-mayor of Nyingchi said at a press conference.

A total of 16,000 people have been affected by the lake. No casualties have been reported. A team of 27 has been dispatched to evacuate another 59 people at a local village.

The local government has built 33 temporary shelters in the area, set up 1,320 tents, and distributed daily essentials for the evacuated people, said Xiao.